Chapter 1

The iconic US News logo spun into view, its bold, sensationalist font dominating the screen, to the accompaniment of rapidly descending stinger music that crescendoed to an ominous, percussive blast just as the provocative news title smashed on-screen. Divided States of America: The Breaking Point. The intro dissolved to show the sleek, glossy surface of the USN news desk. Behind it, an oversized LED array displayed a looping montage of fiery protests, flickering between images of burning storefronts, clashes with police, and an ominous map with red, pulsating dots marking cities across the nation in turmoil.

Seated at the desk were the network’s veteran anchors, Trent Carrington and Lila Moore. Trent, with his perfectly coiffed silver hair and a jawline chiseled from granite, and Lila, the younger, attractive blonde with piercing blue eyes and sweater-busting tits. Their grave faces, teetering on the edge of panic, conveyed the optimal amount of concern to keep viewers riveted as they delivered the latest updates on what some were calling America’s darkest hour.

“Unprecedented chaos in our nation’s streets today,” Trent began, his voice strained with intensity, “with reports of widespread violence in major cities across the country as this year’s election season reaches a boiling point. Protests have turned into riots in what some experts are calling the prelude to a second American civil war.”

Lila nodded gravely. “That’s right, Trent. Martial law is on the President’s lips, according to sources close to the White House, and reports are pouring in from coast to coast of armed clashes between protesters and—” She touched her ear. “Okay, we’re now receiving unconfirmed reports of what may very well be the first fatalities in this conflict.”

The screen cut to shaky cam footage of a darkened street lit only by the eerie glow of uncontrolled building fires. The sound of indiscernible chanting and shattering glass could be heard in the distance as an angry mob overturned a car. Trent’s studio audio was overlaid on top of the chaotic scene.

“In New York City, protesters clashed with police in Times Square. Tear gas was deployed to disburse the attacking crowd, multiple arrests were made, and fires are currently burning out of control in nearby storefronts. This is just one of many scenes unfolding across the country.”

The scene switched to footage of a downtown department store spewing flames while firefighters stood by helplessly, unable to reach the inferno due to the ongoing violence. Lila’s voice cut through the chaos.

“In Portland today, a department store was set ablaze by rioters, and the situation rapidly deteriorated. Representatives from the PPD say they’re struggling to respond as the violence continues to escalate.”

The scene shifted yet again to looters ransacking a major electronics retailer. The footage showed people pouring through the broken plate glass window carrying TVs, tablets, and other valuable items as police cruisers and SUVs rolled up to the scene.

“In St. Louis, rioting has reached a critical point,” Trent reported, “as major stores throughout the downtown area have been overrun by looters, and police appear powerless to stop them.”

The scenes of destruction came one after another, evidence of the violence spanning the nation from coast to coast. With each new report, the scene switched to spliced-together footage of the mayhem.

“In Atlanta, a rally near Centennial Olympic Park turned violent, with protesters and counter-protesters clashing, resulting in several reports of injuries.

“In Los Angeles, the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame has become a battleground, with rioters vandalizing landmarks. The mayor is calling for an immediate curfew, starting at dusk tonight.”

“Gunfire has been reported near the Loop in Chicago. Unconfirmed reports indicate casualties as rival gangs exploit the unrest. Local authorities are pleading with residents to remain indoors.”

“Miami is also seeing widespread violence,” Trent announced. “A protest in the financial district devolved into a full-blown riot, and authorities fear the unrest could spread to nearby neighborhoods.”

“In Seattle, armed protesters have taken control of a police precinct, declaring it a no-go zone,” Lila said. “Negotiations are ongoing, but the situation remains highly volatile.”

“Dallas is facing its own crisis today, as looters hit luxury stores in several major shopping districts throughout the city, and there are reports of armed groups moving through the area. The governor has announced that he is deploying the National Guard to help contain the lawlessness.”

“And in Detroit, rioters have set a car dealership ablaze,” Lila reported. “With law enforcement overwhelmed, neighboring businesses are being evacuated as the fire spreads.”

The camera cut back to the USN studio, where the anchors exchanged grim looks.

“It’s hard to believe that just a few days ago, we were discussing the upcoming election, which is now less than a week away.” Trent shook his head in disbelief. “Suddenly, the entire country appears to be falling apart at the seams. I don’t think we’ve ever seen this level of widespread violence before in modern American history.”

“And it’s not just the violence,” Lila added, her tone becoming far more conversational and opinionated. “It’s the fear. People are terrified, Trent, and who can blame them, really? We’ve received countless messages from viewers who are scared to leave their homes, scared for their families, and scared for the future of this country. It’s-”

Trent touched his ear and held up his finger. “Hold on just a second, Lila.” The screen split to show the White House press briefing room. “We’re going live now to Washington, D.C., where the Press Secretary is about to deliver a statement.”

The screen filled with the image of the Press Secretary stepping up to the podium. She appeared shaken and, despite her best efforts, was unable to keep the quaver from her voice.

“Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please?”

She paused for a moment to allow the raucous members of the press pool to quiet down and settle in their seats. Flashes of light and snapping shutters from a dozen cameras accompanied murmured conversation and the rustle of notepads being readied.

“Good afternoon. The White House is aware of the situation unfolding in major cities across the U.S.,” she began in a strained but measured tone. “The President and his Cabinet are monitoring the situation closely. We’re urging all citizens to remain in their homes and avoid unnecessary travel. The National Guard has been deployed in multiple states, and we’re working closely with local authorities to restore order.”

An impatient reporter’s voice cut through the air. “Why hasn’t the President addressed the nation yet? People are frightened. Shouldn’t he be reassuring them right now?”

The Press Secretary hesitated. “The President will address the nation shortly. In the meantime, we ask everyone for their patience.”

Another reporter piled on top of the first. “What about reports of fatalities? Can you confirm if anyone has been killed in these protests?”

The Press Secretary tightened her grip on the podium. “We cannot confirm any details at this time, but rest assured that we’re working to gather accurate information as we speak.”

In a sudden breakdown of decorum, reporters began hurling rapid-fire questions, gradually raising their voices until they were shouting to be heard. The Press Secretary reacted as if she were being pelted by stones. A tiny gap in the questioning allowed her to blurt a response.